Since the last REN21 newsletter in June announcing the launch of the REN21 Renewables 2012 Global Status Report (GSR), a series of outreach events took place using the findings about global renewable energy market, industry, policy and investment developments to stimulate discussion about renewable energy on regional and national levels. These platforms facilitated dialogue between private and public sector actors on enabling factors for renewable energy deployment. The Global Status Report caters to various audiences from policy makers on national and international levels, researchers, industry representatives and investors. In a recent event at Melbourne University, a leading climate scientist referred to the Global Status Report as the ?antidepressant? which every climate scientist should have in his/her drawer.
The recent announcement of Japan to phase out nuclear power by 2040 marks a historic shift of Japan?s energy policy. Although many details about Japan?s future energy choices are still unclear, this announcement will most likely provide a strong impulse for renewable energy development in Japan. Japan?s renewable energy feed-in tariffs, announced on July 1st, have already attracted about USD 2 billion in investment. The recent announcement of Masoyoshi Son, the founder of Japan Renewable Energy Foundation, to build up to 1 GW wind farms on Hokkaido island is another indication of the increased role of renewable energy for Japan?s energy future. On 24th September, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced new leadership arrangements for his Sustainable Energy for All Initiative: Kandeh Yumkella, currently Director-General of UNIDO, was appointed as Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Chief Executive of the initiative. Furthermore, the President of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, will serve as co-chair of the initiative?s newly formed Advisory Board.
At the REN21 Secretariat, preparations for the 2013 edition of the GSR have already started with a week of debriefing workshops with technology and regional contributors. Furthermore, REN21 has intensified its collaboration with the United Arab Emirates in preparation of ADIREC, the Abu Dhabi International Renewable Energy Conference that will take place from 15-17 January 2013. ADIREC will offer a strategic high-level platform to discuss the role of renewable energy on economic development, energy security and mitigation of climate change and highlight policy and investment trends in the MENA region. Furthermore, REN21?s Renewables Futures Report will be launched at ADIREC.
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